AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



97 



244. As has been already observed, Barley succeeds best 

 on lands more sandy and lighter than those adapted for wheat, 

 yet containing a good proportion of calcareous matter. In the 

 United States it is always sown in the spring ; and in the North 

 ern States, the earlier it is in the ground the better, so that it- 

 may have a lone: period of growth. Unless the soil is very 

 light, it is well to plow in the fall, and again in the spring, and 

 to render the earth mellow by the use of the cultivator and 

 harrow before sowing* For a good crop the land should bo 

 rendered rich by previous manuring; but barn-yard manure ap 

 plied directly to the crop is supposed to be injurious. From 

 two to three bushels of seed are generally sown to the acre ; and 

 the land should be rolled immediately, or, which is perhaps pre 

 ferable, as soon as the young plant is from one to two inches 

 high. The productiveness of barley appears to depend much 

 upon rolling. Judge Buel, of Albany, N. Y., recommends 

 steeping the seed in a weak solution of Saltpetre (Nitrate of 

 Potash or Soda,) for twenty-four hours; and some use the 

 black water which collects in barn-yards around manure-heap 

 for the same purpose. 



245* Barley is known to be ripe by the disappearance of the 

 reddish hue on the ear; and by the ears beginning to droop 

 against the stem. Unless intended for seed, it should be cut 

 before it is fully ripe, both on account of the better quality and 

 weight of the grain, and to prevent waste by shelling. 

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